Lingaraj Temple is one of the oldest and largest Hindu temples in Bhubaneswar. The temple is the most prominent landmark of the Bhubaneswar city and also one of the top places to visit in Bhubaneswar.

Dedicated to Harihara, a combined form of Vishnu and Shiva, Lingaraja Temple was built in 11th century CE by King Jajati Keshari of Somavanshi dynasty. He started the construction of the temple while he shifted his capital from Jajpur to Bhubaneswar. But historians believe that the temple might have been existed from 6th century CE. It is said that when the construction of Lingaraj Temple was about to complete, the Jagannath cult started growing. This belief is further empowered with the fact that Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva are worshiped here.

Chandan Yatra and Ratha Yatra are the other two important festivals celebrated at Lingaraj Temple with great pomp and fervor.

This temple was built in the 10th century and is considered to be the gem of Odisha architecture. The famous arched gateway of the temple makes it unique amongst the other major temples in Odisha.

This temple dating from 11th century, is famous for its sculpted figures and the successive tiers of projections rising to form its 18 meter high tower. Spire, reminiscent of the temples of Khajuraho, along with a square sanctuary and its interior and exterior surfaces are the chief features of the temple. Fine sculptures of dikpalas or guardians of the eight directions carved around the shrine are prominent highlights of the temple.

This temple is built in 9th century AD and dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a perfect example of the Kalinga style architecture. The temple complex contains a main shrine surrounded by 4 similar shrines. The doorways are ornate with stone carved figures and the 9 planets in Indian astrology.

Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are a glorious element of Odisha Tourism. Around 6km east of Bhubaneswar, the twin caves rise abruptly from the coastal plain. Partly natural and partly artificial, these caves are comprised of small blocks which were once used by the mendicants for meditation. While Udayagiri has 18 caves, the Khandagiri has 15. The most significant of these caves group is Ranigumpha in Udayagiri part of the cave and is a double-storeyed monastery. There are certain blocks in these caves where one can see Brahmi inscriptions.

64 Yoginis Temple is a must see must explore tourist attractions in Bhubaneswar. Situated at Hirapur, this temple was built in 9-10th century AD and is dedicated to Yoginis, the attendant of the great Goddess. The temple gets immense importance among the followers of Tantra as it is one of the only four Yogini temples in the country dedicated to the esoteric cult of tantra. The temple wall is engraved with the images of 64 Yoginis along with the image of Mahamaya, the presiding deity.

This temple is counted among one of the oldest existing temples in India. Parasurameswar temple was constructed between the 7th and 8th century AD. The temple is built in the Nagara style and is dedicataed to Lord Shiva. The temple is exemplary of the stone craving mastery of the artisians and is decorated with the most intricate carved sculptures.

An 8th century construction, Vaital Deul is the epitome of grace and charm. The delicate carvings of figurines and strong tantric influences on the temple make Vaital Deul an interesting study. The temple remains open from morning till late in the night.

One of the most auspicious lakes in Odisha, Bindu Sarovara is located close to the temple of Lingaraj. Also known as Bindu Sagar, this hallowed attraction is a must see site for the devotees paying visit to the Lingaraj Temple.

Also known as Peace Pagoda, is a Buddhist structure built jointly in 1972 by the Japan Buddha Sangh and the Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangh. Situated on the opposite hill of Dhauli Giri, it was built through the Indo-Japanese collaboration. Stupa is domed on top with mushroom-like structures and adorned with ‘speaking’ stone panels. Reclining Buddha, an elephant procession, the bodhi tree and footprints of Buddha bearing the Chakra(wheel) adorn the main stone panels. The panels also comprise a sleeping beauty fanned by female attendants, procession on horseback and Emperor Ashoka renouncing war by offering his sword to Lord Buddha at Dhauli Giri.

The Odisha State Museum is a treasure trove of archaeological findings which include Buddhist and Jain sculptures, coins and inscriptions from ancient Kalinga Jewelery, Folk musical instruments, Weapons and Tools.

Nandankanan or ‘The Garden of Heavens’ lies in the vicinity of the Kanjia Lake and Chandaka forest. It is home to 120 different species of animals including mammals, reptiles and birds. It is extremely popular for its white tigers. The zoo houses aquaria, a reptile park and orchid house.